United States President Donald Trump has rekindled his interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, asserting that the United States would ultimately secure control of the island.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump confidently stated, “I think we’re going to have it,” adding that Greenland’s 57,000 residents “want to be with us.”
Trump’s remarks follow reports of a heated phone call with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who unequivocally rejected the idea, asserting, “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders,” and emphasising that its future lies in the hands of its residents.
This isn’t Trump’s first attempt at exploring the acquisition of Greenland. In 2019, he floated the idea, citing the island’s strategic importance for global security and its untapped natural resources. At the time, he described US control of Greenland as an “absolute necessity” for protecting global freedom.
“I don’t really know what claim Denmark has to it,” Trump remarked during his latest comments, calling Denmark’s resistance “a very unfriendly act.” He further argued that only the United States could guarantee Greenland’s freedom and security.
Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, dismissed Trump’s renewed push, reaffirming, “Greenland’s future is Greenland’s business.” However, Egede expressed openness to strengthening defense and mining partnerships with the US, reflecting Greenland’s interest in maintaining beneficial ties without compromising its autonomy.
Local residents were less diplomatic. A fishing boat captain from Kapisillit firmly declared, “Greenland belongs to Greenlanders,” while a church elder, Kaaleeraq Ringsted, described Trump’s comments as “not acceptable.”
Denmark also categorically rejected Trump’s proposal. Prime Minister Frederiksen reiterated her stance, stating, “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.” Reports indicate that the Danish government convened emergency meetings to address the renewed interest, with European officials describing Trump’s call with Frederiksen as “horrendous.”
Greenland’s geographical location, positioned along the shortest route between North America and Europe, enhances its strategic importance. It hosts a key US military space facility and boasts abundant natural resources, including rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron, making it a focal point for global economic and security interests.
Although Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it enjoys significant autonomy. Many Greenlanders advocate for eventual independence, a prospect that could reshape the island’s relationships with both Denmark and the United States.
Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland has sparked widespread controversy and diplomatic tension. While he remains steadfast in his belief that Greenland should align with the United States, opposition from Denmark, Greenland’s leadership, and its citizens underscores the complexity of the situation.
